It’s a Fine Line: Treatment Options for Tooth Fractures

You might think that if a person had a tooth fracture, he or she would definitely know about it and seek out the restorative or cosmetic dentistry procedures necessary to address the problem. However, tooth fractures vary in severity, and they can start out so minor that people don’t even realize that their teeth are affected until the fracture becomes larger and threatens the health of the tooth.

This is one of the many reasons that it is important to visit the dentist at least twice a year for thorough oral exams and professional cleanings. By having a minor fracture identified in its earliest possible stages, you can have it treated as conservatively as possible, while avoiding future pain and preventing the need for more extensive restorative dentistry treatments.

Whether patients have fractures that affect only their enamel, small fractures that are not yet causing them pain, or major fractures that are putting their teeth at risk, Dr. Nathaniel Podilsky offers a comprehensive range of treatment options for tooth fractures. At his Edmonton, AB cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry practice, Dr. Podilsky uses the most advanced techniques available to restore form, function, and health to fractured teeth. Patients emerge with their smiles whole and intact, aesthetically and structurally.

Do You Have a Fractured Tooth?

As stated above, it is possible to have a fractured tooth and not realize it. There are, however, symptoms that could point to your having a tooth fracture. You should schedule an appointment at our practice immediately if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Shooting pains that occur whenever you chew
• Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot and cold temperatures
• Swollen gums near one of your teeth
• Pain that you cannot pinpoint to a single tooth

Types of Tooth Fractures

There are several different types of tooth fractures, all of which Dr. Podilsky is able to treat:

• Craze lines: Craze lines are fractures that occur in the superficial enamel layer of the teeth. They are primarily an aesthetic problem and can generally be addressed with such cosmetic dentistry treatments as porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
• Cracked tooth: If a crack is minor, it can usually be treated with a dental crown, which strengthens the tooth and helps to relieve any pain. However, if the crack has reached one of the tooth’s root canals, then root canal treatment will be necessary. This involves the removal of the dental pulp located inside the root canal, followed by the placement of a dental crown.
• Split tooth: If a tooth has split into two separate parts, it may be possible to remove one of the parts and salvage the other part, usually by performing root canal therapy and then concealing the tooth with a crown.
• Vertical root fracture: A vertical root fracture begins in the tooth root and moves upward. It is sometimes possible to salvage the tooth through root canal therapy, but usually extraction and replacement of the tooth is the only viable option.

Learn More about Treatment for Tooth Fractures

To learn more about treatment options for tooth fractures, please contact the cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry practice of Dr. Nathaniel Podilsky today.